<\div>Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?
I am studying African Studies at university, and I’ve spent time in Malawi before, so I was really interested to get involved with vLOS. I didn’t have anything organised for my summer holiday so volunteering seemed like the perfect thing for me to do.
What did you do?
In the UK I: was a project co-ordinator, working in the office, monitoring and processing volunteer applications, liaising with contacts in Malawi to provide information for the vLOS website, organised a volunteer fundraiser in Birmingham, involving booking a venue and artists, recruiting volunteers, artist liaison, managing a budget and event management on the night.
In Malawi I: was a steward manager, co-ordinating volunteer staff at the gate and information point, I helped out in Festival Control, worked shifts on the Box Office and helped during the festival build on the site infrastructure.
What next?
I’m in my second year at university so I'm going to complete my degree - I'm not really sure what I want to do career-wise in the future, I have really enjoyed co-ordinating my own event and also liaising with contacts in Africa, which will really help me with my degree.
Would you recommend volunteering to other young people?
Absolutely! Volunteering with vinspired Lake of Stars has confirmed to me that I want to be involved in similar projects in the future.
If you're 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com
Words and photo by Jenny Bowie
